Vaccinations crucial for gap year travellers

People heading overseas on a gap year may require vaccinations, depending upon the destinations on their travel itinerary.

According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), consulting a GP should be one of the first things people do after booking their trip.

Would-be gappers need to find out what jabs they need and get advice on any additional health precautions they may need.

"The vaccinations will vary according to your current state of health, your destination and how long you're going to be away for," the FCO stated.

Those travellers heading to Asian and African countries are more likely to require inoculation against certain diseases.

"If you're going to spend months trekking through the jungle you'll run greater risks than if you're staying in five star luxury," the office added.

In addition, the FCO urges gap year travellers to ensure they have adequate supplies of any medicines they normally take.

Check with the nearest embassy of the country you are going to that your medication will be legal in that country, the FCO advises.

This is because inhalers and other common prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines are banned in some countries.

Click here for gap year advice.